Hi, l was thinking about getting a 1982 sl and l am worried about gas mileage. Does anyone know what they get per gallon? Also, how reliable are they and what should l pay for one in decent shape? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Well that depends on which one u decide to get. The numbers on the back of a Mercedes are, by rule of thumb, the engine displacement with some exceptions of course. The R107 chassis SL (1972 - 1989) came with a few different types of engines. The 350SL was a 4.5 litre V8 (similar to the 450 but with less power), the 450Sl was a 4.5 litre but later came out as a 5 litre V8 (you can spot it easily. Across from where it says 450SL on the trunk - drivers side, it says 5.0 litre on the other side of the trunk lid), the 380SL was a 3.8 litre V8, & last but defiantly not least was the 560 which is a 5.6 litre V8. (FY l in 1983, Mercedes re-calibrated its engines & transmissions for all models to improve performance & fuel economy).

Average usage on the 3.8 litre V8 is about 17.5 MPG.
Average usage on the 4.5 litre V8 is about 15.2 MPG.
Average usage on the 5.6 litre V8 is about 15.0 MPG

As far as price goes. It varies a lot. On one that is in mint, & l mean ''from the dealer'' condition u can pay upwards of $12,000, l even spotted a few for $50,000. But l have run into a lot that r in need of very minor repairs (eg.. drivers side seat is worn or ripped, engine need tune up ect.) for around 5,000. The ones that caught my attention on Cars.com (Bang for ur buck, no real repairs needed) were around $6,000 - $6,500. That is what u should expect to pay for a nice one

l have both a 450 SLC (Same engine & drive-train as 450 SL), & a 560 SEL (Same engine & drive-train as a 560 SL) The quality is tops. l just do regular maintenance on them. No leaks, start right up no problem with them ever! l absolutely adore both my silver arrows. l would not recommend anything less.

Hope this u question!! Regards


''Do not drive faster then ur Guardian Angel can fly''